As part of activities marking Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day celebration, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on dozens of distinguished Nigerians, including posthumous awards for late pro-democracy activists, politicians, journalists, and civil rights leaders.
The honourees were described by the President as ‘heroes and heroines of democracy.’ In his June 12 Democracy Day celebration at the National Assembly on Thursday, Tinubu noted that the awards serve as a tribute to the sacrifices made in the struggle to entrench and sustain democracy in Nigeria.
“I confer posthumous national honours on Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa Alfred Rewane (CFR), Bagauda Kaltho (OON), Chima Ubani (OON), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Alao Aka-Bashorun (CON), Chief Frank Kokori (CON), and several others whose legacies continue to inspire our democratic journey,” the President said.
Others honoured posthumously include Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Senator Ayo Fasanmi (CON), Alhaja Kudirat Abiola (CON), Pa Reuben Fasoranti (CFR), Dr. Alex Ibru (CON), Dr. Edwin Madunagu (CON), Emma Ezeazu (OON), and Dr. John Yima Sen (OON).
Significantly, the late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and the other members of the “Ogoni Nine” were also posthumously recognised. The list includes Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine — each conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
“Their voices may have been silenced, but their cause lives on. This recognition is long overdue, and it is a testament to our commitment to justice and reconciliation,” Tinubu said in reference to the Ogoni Nine.
Prominent living recipients of national honours include Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), media icon Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu (CON), who turns 90 on June 13, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON).
Others honoured for their contributions to journalism, advocacy, and nation-building include Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), Kunle Ajibade (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Nosa Igiebor (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Seye Kehinde (OON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), and Odia Ofeimun (CON).
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN (CON); Senator Shehu Sani (CON); Governor Uba Sani (CON); Professor Segun Gbadegesin (CON); Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON); and Hon. Olawale Osun (CON) were also among the honourees.
“These men and women have stood on the side of the people in moments when it was inconvenient, risky, and unpopular. Their courage, intellect, and resilience have kept the flame of democracy burning,” President Tinubu said.
“As we celebrate 26 years of unbroken democracy, we must remember that our freedoms were won through blood, bravery, and belief. We owe it to these patriots to defend, deepen, and deliver the promise of democracy to every Nigerian,” he concluded.
The awards ceremony forms a central part of the June 12 celebrations, commemorating the historic 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll, annulled by the military regime of the time.
